Children’s Podiatry – Knock Knees

Knock Knees, or Genu Valgum, refers to a condition wherein the knees touch together or “knock” when the legs are straightened.

Knock Knees are very common in babies and infants because of the way their legs are folded while they are in the womb. As they grow and mature, the legs usually straighten and correct themselves.

If this does not occur by the time they are 5 or 6, it is best to get a consultation with our Podiatrist.

Signs and symptoms include difficulty walking and knee pain, but the best indicator of knock knees would be to get your child to stand up with their knees together and observe if there is an abnormally large gap between their feet and ankles (Left and right, not the same leg). It is noticed that children with knock knees also demonstrate pronation of feet, collapsed arches and flatfeet.

Treatment iusually involves addressing biomechanical anomalies with the use of orthotics to improve foot alignment and posture which inturn affects the alignment of knees and helps improve patello-femoral position. In conjuction with orthotic therapy, physical therapy is used to maintain strength and knee stability. Other modalities involve braces, strapping and surgery as a last resort.

If you are concerned about your child suffering from Knock Knees, let us put your mind at ease. At Bankstown Podiatry Clinic, our team of experienced Podiatrist can help with a range of conditions.